Russia to send puppy to Paris to honour dead police dog

Russia's interior minister has said he will send a German shepherd puppy to the French police to honour a police dog killed in action and express solidarity with France in the aftermath of the Paris attacks.

France’s National Police said a seven-year-old Belgian shepherd named Diesel was “killed by terrorists” on Wednesday during a raid in Saint-Denis, north of Paris.

General Vladimir Kolokoltsev said in a statement that along with his condolences over the deadly attacks, he will send to his French counterpart a puppy so that it "could replace Diesel".

Gen Kolokoltsev said the puppy was named Dobrynya, after a Russian fairy tale knight who “symbolises strength, goodness, valour and unconditional support”.